Akers earns GB selection for Tblisi showpiece

Isaac Akers has been selected to represent Great Britain at the European Youth Athletics Championships

Published:10:49Thursday 30 June 2016

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Isaac Akers has been selected for the squad to represent Great Britain at the European Youth Athletics Championships in Tblisi next month.

The 17-year-old – who runs for Corby Athletic Club and comes from Market Harborough – will take part in the 3,000m at the prestigious competition which is held in Georgia from July 14-17 and it will be his first appearance in a GB vest.

He has had an excellent 2016 season to date with victory in the Leicestershire County Schools Cross Country Championships in January followed by another win in the Under-17 Men’s English National Cross Country Championships.

He then topped that by taking the crown at the British Inter Counties event at Cofton Park in Birmingham.

Akers said: “My training has been going really well and I felt good going into the race.

“I thought I had a chance of winning but there were a lot of quality athletes taking part.

“This race was one of my main goals for the season so I was very happy to win it.”

Akers receives financial support to achieve his sporting dreams from local charity The Travers Foundation which helps 13 to 30-year-olds living in Northamptonshire, Rutland or Leicestershire improve their skills in sports, the creative arts and the performing arts.

Terry Forsey, chairman of The Travers Foundation, said: “We are delighted to be able to assist a super-talented young athlete like Isaac to achieve his dreams of representing his country in international events.

“His 2016 season is off to a magnificent start, and we wish him continued success and look forward to seeing how he gets on in Tbilisi this Summer.”

And, of the trip to Georgia, Team GB leader Scott Grace said: “The team is really looking forward to mixing it with the best in Europe next month.

“It is a great opportunity for the athletes chosen to make a real impression on the international stage and I’m confident that with the strength in depth, we can deliver some really strong performances out in Tbilisi.”